Archive for the ‘Kleinschnittger’ tag

Auctions America by RM recently announced the results of the 10th Annual Collector Cars of Fort Lauderdale, which featured – among many other items – the 26 Corvettes from the Tony Parella Collection and a half-dozen microcars, most of which came from the Bruce Weiner collection. At the conclusion of the four-day event, the Auburn, Indiana-based company realized a little more than $17 million (which included a 10 percent buyer’s premium on all sold lots), while achieving a 72 percent sell-through rate in the process.

The honor of top sale of the weekend was bestowed on the car pictured above, a 1933 Chrysler CL Phaeton, that sold for $341,000. Offered without reserve, it was one of only 36 examples from the CL Series that year. Following the Chrysler was a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS6 convertible that sold for $198,000, and a 2006 Ford GT that sold for $171,600. Rounding out the top 10: a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG that sold for $178,200; a 1953 Chevrolet Corvette that sold for $176,000; a 1954 Buick Skylark convertible that sold for $170,000; a 2007 Ferrari F430 Spider F1 that sold for $162,250; a 1950 Chevrolet “Tin Woodie” that sold for $154,000; a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435 roadster that sold for $145,750; and a 1931 Cadillac Imperial V-16 Fleetwood Limousine that sold for $143,000.

1953 Chevrolet Corvette - image courtesy of Auctions America by RM

As for the Tony Parella Corvette Collection, all 26 cars sold; top seller from this auction within an auction was the aforementioned 1953 edition at $176,000. Other notables from the collection included the 1967 Corvette 427 that sold for $100,100; the 1955 Corvette that sold for $82,500; the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport continuation car that sold for $82,500; the 1954 Corvette that sold for $80,300; and the 1976 Corvette that sold for $33,000.

1952 Kleinschnittger F125.

Among the microcars, five of the six sold, with the 1952 Kleinschnittger F125 leading the way, hammering at $44,000. The 1956 BMW Isetta came next, selling for $29,700, followed by the 1957 David convertible, which sold for $25,300; the 1959 PTV 250 convertible, which sold for $20,900; and the 1955 Kapi JIP, which sold for $8,500. The 1958 Goggomobil TS, offered with an undisclosed reserve, bid up to $24,000.

Auctions America by RM will once again return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for its annual sale, continuing what has typically been a hot stretch of East Coast auctions that began back in late January. Among this year’s offerings is a healthy serving of some rare micro cars such as the 1958 Goggomobil TS pictured above. Produced by Glas, several of these Bavarian bantamweights have come up for sale in recent years; this two-tone example is powered by a 247cc air-cooled two-cylinder that can claim a top speed of 47 MPH.

1952 Kleinschnittger F125 1956 BMW Isetta

Also originating from Germany is this 1952 Kleinschnittger F125 convertible offered at no reserve. Weighing in at a mere 347 pounds, the aluminum-skinned micro features a 5hp, two-stroke engine/three-speed transmission combination that is capable of achieving a top speed of 43 MPH. Its rarity is genuine: reportedly less than 100 exist. Much more prevalent is the famed BMW Isetta, but this one is a 1956 “bubble window” edition, also offered at no reserve. Under its bonnet is a 13hp single-cylinder four-stroke known for its 60 MPG capabilities and 55 MPH top speed.

1957 David 1955 Kapi JIP 1959 PTV 250

From Spain come three more rarely seen microcars, starting with a 1957 David convertible. Just 60 of these uniquely designed gems were built, each weighing 473 pounds yet packing a 10hp electric-start engine that reportedly managed enough torque to muster a top end of 42 MPH. The incredible shrinking Jeep is next, which is actually a colorful 1955 Kapi JIP. Indeed patterned after the Jeep, it was designed by an infantry captain by the name of Frederico Saldana and assembled near Barcelona after the release of his Kapiscooter. The JIP employs a Hispano-Villiers 8.5hp pull-start engine that, with a three-speed transmission, pushed this little baby to a top speed of 40 MPH. Finally, there’s this 1959 PTV 250 convertible, which originated from the minds of Perramon, Tacho, and Vila. The three men equipped their compact droptop with an independent front suspension, a (250cc) 13hp two-stroke and 12-inch wheels; it touts a top speed of 45 MPH. At one point during production, the PTV was the second biggest Spanish micro seller. All three of these cars are also offered at no reserve.

The Auctions America by RM Fort Lauderdale auction takes place March 16-18. For more information, visit AuctionsAmerica.com.